Hi my friends! Come on in! We’re all decorated for Christmas. I went with lots of green and a touch of blush and gold. It’s such a pretty, soft palette — perfect with loads of twinkle lights! Also, if you want big impact on the cheap, I’ve got an $81 Walmart plan for you!
I added a couple bookshelves in our reading nook that make it feel so cozy. (I keep calling it the reading nook even though it has been completely blank since the day we moved in. I’m a girl with vision! haha)
Reading nook
I finally got a clue that my master plan of a floor-to-ceiling library with faux fireplace isn’t anywhere close to happening! Because new roof and hurricane shutters take precedent, according to my husband. (Just kidding! I agree with him.)
SO! I shoved together two Ikea Kallax bookshelves we already had and it has taken on a whole new life. Two Walmart armchairs are on the way. I don’t know why I didn’t do it before — it’s making me so happy!
This fun red dress is from If She Loves. It’s designed by my very talented friend, Vivian. It’s made in the USA and perfect for the holidays. I’m going to wear this one out for sure! The sweet polka dot print and neck tie are my favorite details.
Red flats are from Amazon.
I had planned on hooking that globe pendant up on the ceiling so it didn’t look like a giant tree topper, but here we are. Sometimes you just go with whatcha got and that’s OK!
I went with blush and gold and silver this year. However, you’re going to be annoyed with my tree source list. The tree from Wayfair is a few years old. The copper collar ($17) from Walmart is gone and so are the tassels from Target. They were on clearance for $6 a strand and there are four on the tree. I’m sorry!
The smaller blush and gold balls are from Target (in stock!). The larger balls and stars are from the Dollar Tree.
I found these four prints of Jesus on the New York Public Library and cleaned them up a bit. I posted them for free in my last post.
The evergreen sprigs are from Target ($3). There are five in the vase.
Oh how I love seeing my books finally out!!!
I tried to get away with decorating it on my own, but Sweetheart had other plans! I couldn’t say no.
The kids have a tree in the playroom that they decorate Dec. 1, the first day of their advent calendar. We loosely stick to this advent of activities that I made. It’s easy stuff that doesn’t require too much planning or even leaving the house!
By the way, have you taken a sneak peek of what I’m doing in the playroom over on Instagram!?! I need to finish the final details so I can share it in full! So exciting. I hope you like the color sage.
Reading nook sources
- Tree – Wayfair (no longer available)
- Rose and gold ball ornaments
- Large balls and starts – Dollar Tree
- Copper tree collar – Walmart $17
- Rug – Urban Outfitters, similar
- Shelves – Ikea Kallax
- Gold lamp – Ross Dress for Less
- Aqua vase – Ross, similar
- Evergreen stems – $3 ea, 5 shown
Board and batten wall
At first I had no idea how to decorate this board and batten wall for different occasions, now it’s my favorite spot to style!
This 48-inch tree is $20, but those stinkers market it up since I bought it for $16! I knew that was too good of a deal. I still think it’s worth it. Maybe I should make mine slant up like the picture … hmmm.
Look at me finally using color! (Still have that hole in the corner though.)
I stenciled the living room wall! I don’t think I have shown it here before. It turned out so pretty! I want to do the adjacent wall too, but I seem to have lost motivation. If I don’t finish things in one or two days, I seem to lose interest.
Board and Batten wall sources
- Garland – Joann Fabrics
- Stockings – Five Below $5
- Pom pom garland – Target $3
- White pom poms – DIY
- 48-inch tree $20
If I didn’t have decorations saved over the years and was starting from scratch on a budget, I would buy these five things:
The 4-foot tree, 2 large wreaths and 2 strands of 9-foot garland were about $81!
Now that’s some bang for your buck! I don’t know how many years flocked will be in style, but it’s cheaper because they flock cheap greenery and you never know. It’s so pretty, light and airy too.
When I built this board and batten wall, I made sure to put in a ledge for things just like these houses. I added remote control tea candles for a soft glow.
I added this disco ball to the dining room a couple months ago and it fills up the dining room with happy sparkles as the sun comes up. It’s glorious! And everyone needs one.
I had this garland I bought on clearance at Target on the side table for my fall decor, and I just moved it to the tree! I love having versatile pieces that will work any time of year.
Dining room sources
- 4-foot flocked tree $35
- Flocked garland $12
- Flocked wreaths $10
- Ornaments $15/50 count
- Christmas lights
- White houses
- Remote tea candles
- Bottle brush trees
- Small pine trees on ledge
- Evergreen stems
- Disco ball
- Lamp
- Candles – Target (old)
- Stand – Target (old)
Kitchen
I added a few seasonal touches in the kitchen. The little $3 Christmas trees coming out of the magnet heads makes me laugh!
We are not Jewish, but we have immense respect for God’s chosen people and also, as Christians, believe the Torah (the first five books of the Bible).
We have been learning some Jewish traditions in the last year, and have the privilege of celebrating them in light of Christ’s return and fulfillment! It has brought so much appreciation for the hope and longing the Jewish people have carried.
I highly recommend Chosen People Ministries for resources. Their goal is to share the knowledge of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah with God’s chosen people and educate. I ordered their free Hanukkah booklet and also love their book Messiah in the Passover. See their eye-opening, life-changing work here in their I Found Shalom videos.
I found the menorah and dreidel in the Target dollar spot!
I treasure this little nativity Marcello and I bought in Ecuador years ago. (I admit to have no idea who is who, except baby Jesus!)
I printed off this little star to put on the frame above them. Here is the printable, if you’d like it too:
Printable North Star
This is the advent with drawers is fun for the kids. I got it at Target, but they change them every year, so you’ll have to see what’s new. They’re a really fun keepsake the kids remember.
The copper bottle brush trees are from the Target dollar spot (and they’re actually $1!).
How to shorten a lamp cord!
I added a small acrylic lamp on the counter and it adds a touch of warmth and coziness.
By the way, here’s how I shortened the lamp cord!
